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WESTERN CRAWFORD / WCO JOE RUSSELL Pymatuning Lake- Walleye and perch are still being caught from boats on the South end by jigging sonar's. The numbers are not all that great but the sizes have been averaging 16" to 20". Chanteuse seems to be the color of choice and late afternoon to early evening seems to be the best time frame. Lake levels are still extremely low so if you are boating be extra careful and take a little extra time to get there safe.Conneaut Lake- a fisherman E-mailed me this week to let me know he caught a 44" Muskie while trolling out here this week. I have reports that white bass are still doing well also. This is the time of year to fish this lake because you will probably have the entire lake to yourself.
Public Meeting - A public meeting on the possible increase of horsepower on Pymatuning Lake was held on 11/21/2002 with 145 people in attendance. People were given 2 to 3 minutes to stand up and give their opinion on the proposed increase. Open for discussion was the possibility of 25 horsepower, 18 horsepower, or leaving it as it was. The people that stood up and commented numbered 46 with 33 being against any increase at all and 13 for an increase to 25 horsepower. Several individuals represented large groups. West Bay boat sales, Navigation Company boat sales, Keystone Bass Buddies Circuit (600 members), all spoke in favor of the increase. Opposed to the increase were groups such as Muskies Inc. Cleveland chapter (1500 members), Pymatuning Yacht club, Pymatuning Lake association, Shenango boat club, Pymatuning Outboard Motor club, and Century boat club. Several issues were cited for reasons why opinions were formed, people opposed to the increase were worried about increased accidents on the lake, another increase if this one is to go threw, increased erosion, increased noise, and deterioration of the general aesthetics of the lake. People for the increase cited increased safety to get off the lake in a storm, increased revenue to the lake from a wider user group, increased economy in sales, changes in the dynamics of the lake from fishing boats to pontoon boats. Issues raised during the meeting were an inability to contact a ranger (or officer) if a violation is occurring, a need for increased boater safety and education classes, a need for more officers and patrols, and not enforcing current laws by checking for violations of the 10 horsepower limit that currently exist by pulling peoples motors and seeing who has changed their stickers. A question was raised as to how many deaths and accidents had occurred on the lake last year and I reported that there were no deaths and 12 accidents or swampings most of which occurred due to improper loading or overloading. Written comments are being taken up to 11/29/2002 and then all the material will be compiled along with the written transcript from this meeting and that in turn will be presented to the legislators if they are going forward with an increase. If you want to comment you can send me your message and I will print them and take them to the park. My E-mail is fishcop@alltel.net
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